The designs were developed by Sydney Institute of Marine Science, with support from Volvo. The company was inspired to work on the project after research showed one rubbish truck of plastic enters the world’s oceans every minute.

Fifty tiles have been installed along a seawall in Sydney Harbor, Australia. Called the “Living Sea Wall”, the tiles will be in place for 20 years, according to the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Scientists plan to study how wildlife responds.

Takeaway:

Thirty-five percent of the world's mangrove trees have been destroyed. In some countries that figure is as high as 50 percent. This threatens marine life, which is also undermined by a dramatic increase in manmade seawalls along shorelines. These tend to be flat and inhospitable to marine life. More than half of Sydney's shoreline, for example is made of artificial seawalls. As a result, eco-systems collapse, which increases pollution. Some marine life filter out pollutants. It is hoped that the project will inspire future innovation to support marine eco-systems. Springwise has recently spotted similar attempts such as plans to more efficiently grow coral reefs on land.